Need some help deciding on a poncho.

**Suede** · 09-28-2013, 07:59

I have the golite too, being one of the best cost/weight alternatives.

Hikingdad did a nice review of one along with a nice idea on how to cinch it down around the waist.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=73167

Here is the follow up video where HikingDad does a packa-like mod.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSZHcszB5QM

**olddog** · 09-28-2013, 09:21

Lucky down here in Florida with the Fall/Winter/Spring hiking season. In 3 seasons, other than a couple of sprinkles, I have not been rained on. When deciding on a poncho I just went with the Frogg Togg at WM. Weighs 9oz. and though not the most durable will probably last me for quite a few years and IIRC around $10

**ScooterB** · 09-28-2013, 10:26

Originally Posted by VictoriaGuy

Wasn't that rain in the Tetons accompanied by wind?
I tried a poncho years ago (one trip) and the *&^% thing spent its time blowing around.
From then on it was a pack cover and rain gear for me. Unless it was a real deluge I found I could skip the rain pants on/off; but that was usually wearing wool pants or similar. (showin' my age....

)

If I'd had the Exped poncho, I probably would be a poncho convert to this day. It's a well thought out piece of gear , from the video:
Exped poncho video on YouTube

I do like Exped gear!

Yes, there was a lot of wind at times (which could potentially have hampered the poncho's effectiveness on some days) but I found myself sweating profusely inside my rainsuit so I was almost as wet from sweat as I would have been from the rain. One definite advantage of the rainsuit is that I use it as pants and jacket for warmth when needed and eliminate an extra 2 pieces of clothing. Downside is sweating as much inside the suit as it's raining outside the suit. Still looking for the "perfect" solution.

**sargevining** · 09-28-2013, 11:09

Originally Posted by sbeauchamp

Yes, there was a lot of wind at times (which could potentially have hampered the poncho's effectiveness on some days) but I found myself sweating profusely inside my rainsuit so I was almost as wet from sweat as I would have been from the rain. One definite advantage of the rainsuit is that I use it as pants and jacket for warmth when needed and eliminate an extra 2 pieces of clothing. Downside is sweating as much inside the suit as it's raining outside the suit. Still looking for the "perfect" solution.

Wearing knee length gaiters in conjunction with a long poncho that has a draw string waist and snaps or ties will keep most of you body dryer than they would be from sweating inside a rain suit.

**Mountain Gout** · 09-28-2013, 11:16

I had a golite poncho for a while.. Very nice poncho, very lite and makes a good size emergency shelter.... I just am not a poncho person.. Just like everything in life, there are trade offs.. The golite will blow around in the wind because it weighs very little, That can be remedied with shock cord....Or you could go heavy and get one of the others.. I would use the golite..

**ScooterB** · 09-28-2013, 13:09

Originally Posted by sargevining

Wearing knee length gaiters in conjunction with a long poncho that has a draw string waist and snaps or ties will keep most of you body dryer than they would be from sweating inside a rain suit.

Hadn't thought about the gaiters... thanks for the suggestion.

**Seeker** · 09-29-2013, 08:44

I simply cannot stand getting sweaty from raingear, so this works for me. I have a couple of USGI ponchos, and love them. There's a drawstring inside to keep it around your waist, and I don't worry about my legs anyway... they're going to get wet, either from rain, water on the vegetation, or sweat... You can also rig up a couple shock cords and cordlocks to the grommets to hold it down if the wind's that bad. My pants are the zipoff leg nylon kind, so I can also remove the lower part when it's raining. My socks are wool, and my shoes are Merrill Moab Ventilators, which dry very quickly, so I don't worry about my feet getting wet.

**Mrprez** · 09-29-2013, 08:53

Equinox also makes a nice poncho. http://www.equinoxltd.com/the-gear/o...ho-shelter.cfm

**webhanger** · 10-01-2013, 01:34

Originally Posted by Mrprez

Equinox also makes a nice poncho. http://www.equinoxltd.com/the-gear/o...ho-shelter.cfm

Do they have snaps on all four sides?

**Mrprez** · 10-01-2013, 05:24

Originally Posted by webhanger

Do they have snaps on all four sides?

From the link I posted and you quoted:

Cut larger than most ponchos for additional coverage and versatility. The four corners have durable nylon loops to use as tie downs for conversion from a poncho to a shelter, with additional loops in the middle on each side. 58" wide. Available with or without extension to accomodate backpack (90" long, 104" with extension).

Constructed from 1.1oz silicone impregnated ripstop nylon

Reinforced, rust-resistant snaps form arm openings and secure the sides
The hood cinches closed with a micro cord drawstring with cord lock
Mini mesh bag with drawstring and cord lock included for storage
Weights: 7oz, 9.6oz